[December 04, 2014] |
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GEICO reminds drivers to remain extra vigilant in winter conditions
With an early blast of winter weather blanketing much of the country,
GEICO wants drivers to remember to prepare
for compromised road conditions.
Tips for Handling Winter Weather
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Drive slowly: This is one of the most important elements when
traveling in winter conditions. When roads become slick, vehicles
require much more room to stop. Drivers should try to maintain at
least three times as much following distance between the next closest
vehicles as they would on clear roads.
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Never pass plows or salting trucks: These types of maintenance
vehicles have limited visibility. Also, road conditions in front of
them can deteriorate significantly.
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Watch bridges an overpasses: Approach these structures with
caution because they often freeze over prior to regular roadways.
Along with carefully monitoring road conditions, drivers need to learn
how their vehicles handle in slippery conditions.
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Braking tips: If the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes
(ABS (News - Alert)), apply steady pressure to the brakes when stopping. For older
vehicles without ABS, pump the brakes gently to prevent them from
locking.
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Handling skids: If a vehicle begins to skid, the driver should
immediately take his foot off the gas and the brake. Then, try
"steering into the skid", meaning that if a car starts sliding to the
right, the driver should turn the wheel to the right. This maneuver
will realign the back tires with the front tires and allow the car to
travel on a straight path. After regaining control, accelerate
gradually to avoid another skid.
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How to prepare: The best way to prepare for compromised winter
conditions is through practice. For inexperienced drivers and those
looking to brush up, head to an empty parking lot during the day that
has snow cover. Focus on learning stopping distances and recovering
from skids.
Remember, every vehicle behaves differently in poor conditions, and
factors such as weight and drivetrain (front wheel drive, rear wheel
drive, all-wheel drive) influence handling and stopping. For example,
all-wheel drive systems can help an automobile start out more easily,
but they don't improve stopping ability.
For more safe driving tips, drivers can visit www.geico.com/information/safety/.
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